Footballer Alan Shearer and presenter Adrian Chiles have embarked on their 335-mile bike ride in aid of Sport Relief.

The pair set off on the journey from Newcastle to London - via West Bromwich - yesterday morning and aim to reach their destination in 36 hours.

They were waved off by Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan, who told reporters: "I rang Alan up when I heard what he was going to do. I think it is a massive ask, but if anyone can do it, he can. He is determined.

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"They could have picked an easier thing to do and still made a lot of money but the feeling of satisfaction the two will get when they complete it will far outweigh any pain they suffer."

Chiles added: "When you look at people you can see in their eyes they think we are mad so we are trying to prove everybody wrong."

The duo plan to ride into London's BBC Television Centre during the live Sport Relief show tonight.